Wonder strike sinks Fairfield

Villa were just seconds away from holding Midland Combination One leaders Littleton to a 1-1 draw despite playing most of the game a man down after Martin Slevin’s sending-off.

But they were denied by Joe Lolley’s injury-time volley, which joint-boss Oakes described as the best goal he has seen in seven years at the club.

He said: “It was an unbelievable strike — the best I’ve seen on our ground.

“The ball came over his shoulder and his technique was just brilliant.

“The ball ended up lodged in the right corner stanchion as if to say ‘look at that.’ “It was literally the last kick of the game but if you are going to lose to a late goal at least lose to a goal
like that.”

Oakes was proud of the effort and application shown by his players, after seeing his pre-game plans go out the window when keeper Owen Hancox suffered a recurrence of a knee problem which meant
full-back Jamie Hatfield had to deputise in goal.

Villa are closing in on the signing of Paul Maynard from Earlswood Town as they look to solve the keeper crisis ahead of Saturday’s league trip to Coton Green.

They head into the game looking to turn around a dreadful away record which has seen them pick up just one point on their travels all season.

Oakes said: “The league campaign is stuttering at the moment and this is a chance to pick up points.

“Since I’ve been here we have always done well away from home but the less said about this season the better.

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“It’s something we have to put right.”

n Droitwich Spa will be looking to derail the table-toppers’ title challenge on Saturday when they welcome Littleton to King George Playing Fields.

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